10/14/2026
DRACULA OPENS MOBILE BALLET SEASON
🩰 Mobile Ballet opens its 2026-2027 season with an all-new production of Dracula on Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre in Downtown Mobile. The one-night-only performance makes its debut just in time for Halloween.
🧛 Raul Peinado, who danced the role of Dracula with Mobile Ballet in 2014, returns as guest choreographer to create this new version inspired by Bram Stoker's classic tale.
"Working with Raul on this production has been an incredible experience, and I think audiences are going to see Dracula in a whole new light," said Artistic Director Katia Garza.
The production tells the story of a count, his three brides, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness through classical and contemporary ballet. Digital projections and special effects create a cinematic atmosphere for a performance described as spellbinding rather than scary.
"Dracula has always been one of my favorite roles, both as a choreographer and as a dancer," said Peinado. "My choreography allows us to explore the tension and danger at the heart of the story while giving the dancers an opportunity to make these characters come to life in a very physical and expressive way."
Daniel Benavides performs the title role, with Israel Rodriguez as Van Helsing, Andres Castillo as Jonathan Harker, and Mobile Ballet Company dancers Natalie Crepeau and Aubree Cate Joiner as Lucy and Mina.
Felipe Valentini, Zion Harris, Jackson Borowski, and Humberto Ramazzina perform as the Four Suitors. Other roles are performed by members of the Mobile Ballet Company.
Tickets for Dracula range from $25 to $69.
BITE BEFORE THE BALLET
A special pre-show reception, Bite Before the Ballet, takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Mobile Arts Council's Room 1927, adjacent to the Saenger Theatre.
Sponsored by Aloha Hospitality, the $75-per-person VIP event features savory bites, sweet treats, themed cocktails, a cast meet-and-greet, and a contest for the best Dracula-inspired attire.
Guests can arrive early, park before the crowds, enjoy the reception, and walk next door for the 7:30 p.m. performance.
MORE TO COME THIS SEASON
Dracula is the first of three productions in Mobile Ballet's 2026-2027 season at the Saenger Theatre.
The remaining productions are The Nutcracker on December 19-20, 2026, and The Little Mermaid on March 13-14, 2027.
A special abbreviated performance of The Nutcracker Suite will also be presented December 11 at Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette during Christmas Fest.
Discover Dance educational performances for K-12 student field trips include The Nutcracker on December 11 in Bay Minette and December 17 in Mobile, followed by The Little Mermaid on March 12 in Mobile.
Additional events include the Nutcracker Holiday Brunch on December 20 and the Little Mermaid Tea on February 28.
Season ticket packages covering all three productions range from $65 to $186.
Founded in 1987, Mobile Ballet is a nonprofit performing company and ballet school offering performances, dance instruction, outreach, and educational programs throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Tickets and additional information are available at:
www.mobileballet.org/performances
